That Book about Harvard: Surviving the World's Most Famous University, One Embarrassment at a Time

I absolutely loved this book. Aside from the fact that it had me laughing out loud, it was also well-written -- a rarity in today's overly chick lit-saturated market. The jokes and stories delivered a punch, and reminded me a lot of David Sedaris in the narrative and delivery.Perhaps the book's greatest strength was the depth of the plot. I fully expected it to be a humorous, albeit lighthearted, story. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the author showcases his personal challenges alongside the funny anecdotes, including his struggles to fit in and questions about whether he truly belongs at Harvard. This really tied the whole memoir together, and by the end, I felt as though I knew the author well as a person.I would definitely recommend this book, though probably not for anyone younger than high school age...some of the topics are a little "mature."

Having been a Harvard student myself many years ago, with a son about to start the college application process now wondering whether or not Harvard might be the right school for him, I could enjoy Kester's book on two very different levels. It's a hilarious read, with many laugh-out-loud passages. But it's also a sobering and insightful commentary about the school, its traditions, and the perspectives and priorities of its students and faculty. There's a lot there, and it's all done well.

Got hooked on the sample pages so went ahead and bought it.It,s both funny and believable.Love coach Mac!My son is playing college ball right now and I could really relate to what was going on with this guy.Well written and easy and enjoyable to read.If he writes another book I'll buy it!

I certainly enjoyed this book don't get me wrong, very funny, very enjoyable. However, I have to declare shenanigans on at least 15% of the on goings. Even the first situation the author gets into, listed on the jacket, walking across campus in his underwear. Who doesn't bring all their boxes into their room before showering, then who thinks I cannot throw on real shorts before fetching said box, then who doesn't fund a male in the dorm while covered in a towel and plead for shorts for the walk? Besides there was a dude in the building with a master key!I just find it hard to believe that in his calc class he knows on person, in his dorm he knows his room mates, on campus he knows two girls. I looked all over the listing to see if it is listed as fictional. Can't find itJust keep in mind the author writes for collegehumor so he is skilled at making real like ridiculously funny, which he does, but this is far from autobiographical

Kester relates to all of those who barely survived their freshman year of college. By describing events we all know too well-- awkward moments alone with no friends at frat parties, flunking midterms, and missing home far too often to admit-- Kester writes what everyone has tried to forget. Throughout the "best four years of our lives" we all definitely have a few cringe-worthy flashbacks buried deep inside. Even though I didn't attend Harvard, I constantly found myself laughing at Kester's recap of his most embarrassing moments. If these things didn't happen to me, they most certainly happened to my college friends at one time or another.A must-read for anyone who is lucky enough to still look forward to college as well as those who have since graduated. I especially recommend it to those who played (or attempted to play) a sport in college as Kester recalls those dreadful morning workouts and endless verbal assaults by coaches.I found myself smiling during every chapter. Eric Kester could have definitely been that lovable and goofy douche bag down the hall in all of our dormitories. He reminds us how enjoyable our college years really were... and proves Harvard is not the perfect experience many people may think.

This is a book about the author's first year at Harvard, a school that most of the world will never have the chance to attend. Reading it, I was taken back to my first year of college and I found myself involuntarily giggling, or grimacing depending in the situation being related. And seriously, boy does he relate some cringe-inducing stories, including the time he walked across campus in his underwear, and when he was arrested, and...well, I'd better stop there, although there are many more to share.I enjoyed also the different interesting tidbits he shared about life at Harvard. Stepping around the protest clubs in the way to class, dodging tourists anxious to get a glimpse of a "real Harvard scholar", choking on the cafeteria food, taking part in the "primal scream", and more.While there was much that I enjoyed about this book and it is a really fast read, I wish that he had made it a bit longer. I would have enjoyed reading a bit more about the rest of his time at Harvard, and also would have liked to know who the girl is that he wrote the book to impress, (i.e. did her name start with "H"?).The book is also quite crude in parts, he channels his 19-year-old self very believably and there are some parts that I did not find as enjoyable to read. Overall though, it is a good book and a fun read.

This book is flat out hilarious! It's laugh out loud funny. There were spots when I couldn't stop laughing. Recommended for anyone in college or who's been to college - required reading for freshmen trying to fit in! It is, in turns, funny,irreverent, touching and even compassionate. Anyone who's ever tried to fit in anywhere will love this book. We're all trying to survive something. This book helps you put it all in perspective, and puts a smile on your face to boot.

The funniest and best written book I’ve read in a long time. If you are on the fence about reading this book it would behoove you to take that chance and get an inside look at Harvard through one student’s eyes. I could not put this book down.

I'm moving to New York this fall and needed some inspiration about the college life in the US. After a little scavenging, I found this book. I was a little skeptical about ordering it at first but did out of curiosity.Now, it has been a day since I've got this book, and without a doubt, this is probably one of the best books that I've ever read. It's somewhat beyond explanation. The way, Erick Kester, the writer has written this book is purely amazing. He comments on how he was destined not get in Harvard, but he did. Then how we faced trouble with the college itself. It is a sad story of an eighteen-year-old, who has presented it in a super hysterical way. You would laugh. From the prologue towards the end of the book. You would laugh hard. The best part of the book is the way through which he has described his experiences. Be it being accused of drinking breast milk to running naked at the end. This book is a piece of art, induced with a lot of funny element.If you're a guy or a gal planning to go to college, you should probably get this book without a second thought. It's worth your buck. And if you're a curious student, trying to figure out if Harvard is what it is on the skin, then you should probably get it. It will tell you a hell lot about Harvard, other than Annenberg Hall, of course. Either way, it's a good book. Do consider buying it.

Entertaining

I read the first few pages and said this is funny, this is so witty! I love this, it's going to be great. Unfortunately, by the time I got half way, it wasn't so funny any more....3/4 way and it had become rather just boring.....boring enough to skim pages and finally found myself putting it on the shelf. Sorry, any book on the shelf and still totally unread only gets a one star. One good thing is the knowledge that I now appreciate a first class but fun school being the University of Wisconsin-Madison